The Northamptonshire FA has announced that local official Stuart Burt has been selected to serve as an assistant referee at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The tournament, which takes place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, marks the second time the Northampton resident has been chosen for the prestigious global event.
Burt, who hails from Kingsthorpe, began his refereeing career at age 16 in the John Henry Youth League. His journey in local football saw his first appointment at a match between Duston Youth and Gregory Celtic Under-10s. Since those early days, he has reached the top level of the sport, having officiated over 500 Premier League fixtures. He remains one of only four officials to ever achieve this milestone.
This appointment serves as a significant moment for the local football community. The Northamptonshire FA, which was founded in 1886, currently supports over 600 referees across the county. Burt’s success is being highlighted as a source of inspiration for those currently working through the grassroots levels of the game.
For the 2026 tournament, England will be represented by six on-field officials. Burt will work alongside referee Michael Oliver, continuing a professional partnership that has seen them officiate numerous high-profile matches together, including the 2022 World Cup quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia. The 2026 competition will be the first to feature 48 teams and will be co-hosted by three different nations.
Burt’s extensive career includes officiating in major fixtures such as the FA Cup final (twice), the EFL Cup final (twice), and the UEFA Super Cup (twice). His selection for the upcoming World Cup follows his selection for previous international tournaments, including UEFA EURO 2020 and UEFA EURO 2024.
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